Toby Haynes To Direct New “Oliver” Musical

Frequent British TV director Toby Haynes (“Sherlock,” “Doctor Who,” “Being Human”) is reportedly in talks to direct a new film adaptation of Lionel Bart’s classic musical “Oliver!” for Working Title and Sony Pictures.

The project, which will be greenlit in a matter of weeks once rights deals are completed, aims to start shooting on location in and around London early next year for a late 2016 release. The tone is said to be grittier than the original.

Cameron Mackintosh will produce. Haynes, coming off the success of the acclaimed “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell” mini-series adaptation which he both directed and executive produced, and his casting director Lucinda Syson have started to scout for the young British actors who’ll play the title character.

Famed choreographer-director Matthew Bourne previously indicated he was linked to the project but that’s not certain anymore.